SAN JOSE -- The Sharks put on quite the show prior to Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final.
And now they’re upping the ante for Game 4.
Per the club and NHL PR, Metallica lead singer James Hetfield and guitarist Kirk Hammett will perform The Star-Spangled Banner at SAP Center tonight, when the Sharks look to even their series against Pittsburgh at two games apiece.
Metallica has long been associated with the Sharks. Hetfield’s been a longtime fan of the club and, last year, the Sharks held a “Metallica Night” for a game against their bitter rivals, the Kings.
From the band’s website:
“We have been long supporters of the Sharks going back to the mid-90’s when the team moved permanently to San Jose... over the years we’ve made many treks down to the Shark Tank. So it’s actually pretty fitting that we finally connect with the team for a night of metal and hockey and we want you to come along and partake of the festivities with us.
“We’ll be on hand for the first strains of ‘Seek & Destroy,’ kick off the game with the puck drop, and partake in some of the intermission fun and games that Sharks fans know and love.
In addition to all the stuff above, Hetfield took part in this year’s new playoff tradition.
Each home game, a local Bay Area celebrity holds the door open for the Sharks as they make their way onto the ice. Hetfield did it for Game 6 of the Western Conference Final, following in the footsteps of Condoleezza Rice, Ronnie Lott, Kristi Yamaguchi, Steve Wozniak and E-40.
I know! E-40. Awesome.
For Saturday’s Game 3, longtime NFL running back Marshawn Lynch had door duties.